Hair bleach product

ABSTRACT

A hair bleach product comprises a pigment or lake to provide a visual indication of where the bleach product was applied to the hair.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of prior co-pending U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/392,682, filed on Mar. 20, 2003; which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/368,179, filed on Mar. 28,2002.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to hair bleach products. Specifically, theinvention concerns hair bleach products that comprise in kit form aperoxide-based developer; a powder activator containing a persulfateoxidizing system, and an alkalizing agent, the hair bleach productfurther comprising a colorant selected from the group consisting ofpigments, lakes, and mixtures thereof, the colorant indicating to thehair salon colorist or to the home user where on the hair the bleachproduct is being applied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hair bleaching is a well known process in the hair cosmetic field. Hairbleaching involves the application of an oxidizing agent to the hair fora period of time effective to achieve a desired lighter hair shade. Theoxidizing agent typically is a hydrogen peroxide solution inconcentrations ranging from 6 to 12% by weight. The hydrogen peroxide isapplied to the hair under alkaline pH conditions and gradually lightensthe shade of the hair by oxidizing the melanin that gives it color. 28%Ammonium hydroxide is typically added to the peroxide solution at thetime of use to provide the highly alkaline environment needed duringuse.

To enhance the lightening efficacy of the hydrogen peroxide oxidizer, itis known to incorporate a persulfate salt as a “booster”. Sodium,potassium, ammonium persulfate salts, and mixtures thereof are providedin powder form, and are admixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution andthe ammonium hydroxide solution at the time of use. The mixed product isthen applied to the hair for a period of time effective to achieve thedesired lighter hair shade. Because of the incorporation of thepersulfate and when used with a 10 to 40% by volume hydrogen peroxidesolution activated by the alkalizing agent, e.g., 28% ammoniumhydroxide, substantial lightening of hair can be achieved. Suchproducts, typically sold in kit form, are referred to in the industry asbleach blonding products.

A problem associated with such bleach blonding products is that thecolorist, that is, the individual applying the product to the hair,often a hair salon professional, but also the home user of suchproducts, is unable to determine where the product has been applied tohair, or to gauge how much has been applied to the hair. This is becausethe product as applied to the hair, i.e., the mixture of the developer,the powder activator and the alkalizing agent, is somewhat transparentor translucent, and is not adequately visible when present on the hair.This problem is exacerbated where the hair to be bleached has multipleshades or highlights occasioned by prior hair coloring treatments.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hairbleach product that can be visibly applied to the hair.

It is a preferred object of the invention to provide a hair bleachproduct containing a colorant selected from the group consisting ofwater insoluble pigments, lakes and mixtures thereof.

It is another object of the invention to provide a hair bleach productin kit form comprising an alkalizing agent composition, a hydrogenperoxide developer composition and a persulfate activator powdercomposition containing a colorant selected from the group consisting ofwater insoluble pigments, lakes and mixtures thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a hair bleach product compositionfor applying to hair. Such a composition comprises: (a) hydrogenperoxide; (b) at least one alkali metal persulfate; (c) an alkalizingagent; and (d) a colorant selected from the group consisting of waterinsoluble pigments, lakes, and mixtures thereof, wherein the colorant ispresent in an amount effective to provide a user of the hair bleachproduct composition with a visual indication of where on the hair thehair bleach product composition is being applied.

The present invention is also directed to a method of bleaching hair.Such a method comprises the steps of: (a) applying to the hair a hairbleach product composition as described above; and (b) rinsing thecomposition from the hair.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method ofproviding a hair bleach product composition which is visible to a userwhen said composition is applied to hair. Such a method comprises thesteps of: (a) providing a mixture comprising (i) hydrogen peroxide, (ii)at least one alkali metal persulfate, and (iii) an alkalizing agent; and(b) adding to said mixture a colorant selected from the group consistingof water insoluble pigments, lakes, and mixtures thereof, wherein saidcolorant is present in an amount effective to provide said user with avisual indication of where on the hair said hair bleach productcomposition is being applied.

The hair bleach product of the present invention is in kit form andcomprises in separate packages within the kit a peroxide developer; apowder activator, and an alkalizing agent composition.

The peroxide developer contains from about 6 to about 12% by weighthydrogen peroxide (corresponding to a 20 to 40 volume solution), whichis an oxidizing agent capable of lightening hair to some extent.

The powder activator contains from about 40 to about 80% by weight of analkali metal persulfate selected from the group consisting of sodiumpersulfate, potassium persulfate, and ammonium persulfate.

The alkalizing agent component composition preferably has a thickenedliquid, gel, cream or other substantially nonflowing rheology andcontains from about 10 to about 25% by weight of an alkalizing agentselected from the group consisting of ammonium hydroxide andmonoethanolamine.

At least one of the component compositions in the hair bleach product,or a separate component of the kit, contains a colorant for use, whenthe hair bleach product is applied to the hair, as a visual cue to thecolorist to indicate where the product is being applied to the hair. Thecolorant is selected from the group consisting of water insolublepigments, lakes and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the colorant ispresent in the powder activator component. In any event, the colorantshould be compatible with the other components of the hair bleachproduct, and in particular compatible with the persulfate, thealkalizer, and especially the oxidizing agent, usually hydrogenperoxide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The hair bleach product is adapted to provide sufficient lighteningwithin a given period of time so that hair may be bleached to a blondeshade. The hair bleach product of the present invention comprises (a) aperoxide solution, generally referred to in the field as the developercomponent; (b) a powder activator component, also referred to in thefield as a lightening powder or a booster, and (c) an alkalizing agentcomponent.

These three components (a), (b) and (c) are typically provided in theform of a kit, which further includes instructions for use, and whichoptionally may contain a hair pretreatment component or a hair posttreatment component. The three essential components (a), (b) and (c) ofthe hair bleach product kit are admixed at the time of use in anapplicator device that is preferably part of the kit, typically acontainer for one of the three components (a), (b) or (c).

At least one of the component compositions in the hair bleach product,or a separate component of the kit, contains a colorant for use, whenthe hair bleach product is applied to the hair, as a visual cue to thecolorist to indicate where the product is being applied to the hair. Thecolorant is selected from the group consisting of water insolublepigments, lakes and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the colorant ispresent in the powder activator component. In any event, the colorantshould be compatible with the other components of the hair bleachproduct, and in particular compatible with the persulfate, thealkalizer, and especially the oxidizing agent, usually hydrogenperoxide.

The Developer Component

The developer component composition comprises a hydrogen peroxidesolution. The solution contains from about 6 to about 12% by weighthydrogen peroxide. (This corresponds to a 20 to 40 volume solution, andis referred to as, e.g., 20 volume, 30 volume or 40 volume hydrogenperoxide. This concentration unit refers to the amount of oxygenreleased from one volume of the hydrogen perioxide solution. Thus, onevolume of a 30 volume peroxide solution is able to liberate 30 volumesof oxygen.)

The developer component composition preferably contains additionalingredients to facilitate its use and performance. Thus, the developercomponent composition further contains one or more of the followingadjuvants: a thickener, an emulsifier, or a hair conditioning agent.Each of these constituents is present in the developer component insufficient amount to provide its intended function in the developercomponent composition or in the final product mixture when the developercomponent is mixed with the activator powder component and thealkalizing agent component. Suitable adjuvants are those that are stableto hydrogen peroxide. Suitable thickeners are, for example, cetearylalcohol and stearamidopropyl dimethylamine. Nonionic polymericthickeners, in particular polyether urethanes sold under the tradenameAculyn by Rohm & Haas Company, especially Aculyn 44 and 46, aresuitable. Anionic acrylate polymers, e.g., such polymers sold under thetradename Aculyn, e.g., Aculyn 22, 28 and 33, by Rohm and Haas may beused. Other useful thickeners are identified in International CosmeticIngredient Dictionary and Handbook, v.2, pages 1810-1812 (8^(th) Edition2000) (CFTA) incorporated by reference herein, although stability in thepresence of hydrogen peroxide would have to be confirmed with themanufacturers. Generally, the thickening agents are present in an amounteffective to provide a viscosity of from 3,000 to about 40,000 cps,preferably 5,000 to about 30,000 cps. Typically, the thickener ispresent in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 5%, preferablyabout 0.1 to about 2.5%, depending on the choice of thickener agent andthe degree of thickening that is desired.

The emulsifiers present in the developer component are typically in therange of from about 0.05 to about 10% preferably from about 0.1 to about5%, especially 0.5 to 2.5% by weight of the developer composition.Suitable emulsifiers are glyceryl stearate, oleth 2, oleth-10, PEG-75lanolin and ceteareth-20. Often, mixtures of emulsifiers are employed.The emulsifiers, which are surface active agents, may also contribute tothickening of the composition. Other emulsifiers are identified in theabove-cited CTFA Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, v.2, at pages1795-1803. Compatibility with peroxide should be confirmed.

The developer composition may further contain an antifoam material suchas simethicone in low concentration, to prevent foaming duringmanufacture, an acidifying material, a preservative, etc. whileconventional hair conditioning agents may be incorporated in thedeveloper if compatible at the acidic conditions and in the presence ofhydrogen peroxide. Conditioning agents are generally incorporated in thealkalizer component.

The pH of the developer component is generally in the range of fromabout 2.5 to about 5.5, especially about 3.0 to about 4.

Generally, the colorant as previously described is not contained in thedeveloper component. Because the colorant is insoluble, it would have tobe suspended in the developer component composition, which addsadditional complexity during manufacture, as well as difficultiesoccasioned by precipitation during storage.

The Powder Activator Component

The powder activator component of the present invention comprises analkali metal persulfate selected from the group consisting of sodiumpersulfate, potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, and mixturesthereof. The powder activator component contains from about 40 to about80%, preferably 50 to 70%, of the persulfate by weight of the activatorcomponent composition. The preferred alkali metal persulfate is amixture of ammonium persulfate and potassium persulfate. Sodiumpersulfate may also be used.

The powder activator component further contains an alkalinity agent toensure an alkaline bleach product when the product components are mixed.Suitably, the alkalinity agent is sodium silicate present in theactivation powder component in an amount of from about 20 to about 50%by weight of the powder activator component composition, preferably fromabout 30 to 40% by weight.

Preferably, the colorant selected from the group consisting of waterinsoluble pigments or lakes and mixtures thereof (hereinafter “pigment”)is present in the powder activator component, generally in an amount ofup to about 2.5% by weight of the powder activator component, preferablyfrom about 0.1 to about 2% by weight. The pigment should be compatiblewith the other ingredients in the hair bleach product, and in particularit should be compatible with hydrogen peroxide. The pigment imparts tothe hair bleach product a color that is visible when the product isapplied to the hair, and thus imparts a visual cue to the hair coloristas to where the product is being applied. Suitable pigments includeultramarine blue, D&C yellow No. 10 aluminum lake, chromium oxide green,titanium dioxide, D&C red No. 30 lake, and D&C yellow No. 5 zirconiumlake.

A desiccant such as silica is also typically incorporated to preventmoisture from prematurely reacting with the presulfates. The silica is apositive amount generally less than about 5% by weight, usually fromabout 0.1% to about 3% by weight of the activator component. A lubricantmay be incorporated to assist in dry blending of the powder materials,for example, a surfactant such as sodium lauryl sulfate may beincorporated in an amount of up to about 3% by weight of thecomposition. Each of the adjuvant constituents is present in the powderactivator component in sufficient amount to provide its intendedfunction in the powder activator component composition or in the finalproduct mixture when mixed with the developer and the alkalizing agent.

The Alkalizing Agent Component

The third essential component is the alkalizing agent component. Thealkalizing agent in the alkalizing agent component is selected from thegroup consisting of ammonium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, and mixturesthereof.

This component composition generally has a pH of from about 10 to 12,preferably from about 10.5 to 11.5, especially about 11, byincorporating an effective amount of the alkalizing agent to achievesuch pH values. Generally, the alkalizing agent is present in an amountof from about 3 to about 25% by weight of the alkalizing agentcomponent, depending upon the alkalizing agent used. Formonoethanolamine, the concentration is about 10 to 25% preferably about12 to about 21% by weight. Where ammonium hydroxide is the alkalizingagent, its concentration in the alkalizer agent component is from about3 to about 15% by weight, measured as a 28% by weight ammonium hydroxidesolution, preferably from about 5 to about 12%. In any event thealkalizing agent is present in an amount effective to obtain therequisite pH set forth above.

Preferably, the alkalizing agent component is in the form of a thickenedliquid, a gel or a cream, which form facilitates its admixture with thedeveloper and activator powder components, although aqueous solutions,e.g., thin lotions, can be used.

The adjuvants useful in achieving the desired form of the alkalizingagent component and their incorporation to form the gel, the cream orthe thickened liquid are well known to those of ordinary skill in theart. Such useful adjuvants are thickeners, surface active agents, andemulsifiers, all as described above in the section on the developercomponent. Also useful as adjuvants are fragrances, dyes, herbalextracts, and the like.

A gel composition is obtainable using oleic acid as a gelling agent andmay further include a blend of anionic and nonionic surface activeagents. Suitably, the oleic acid gelling agent is present in an amountof from about 0.1 to about 10% by weight of the alkalizing agentcomponent. The surface active agents are typically present in an amountof from about 0.1 to about 15% by weight.

A cream composition having a viscosity of from about 50,000 to about700,000 cps, preferably from about 100,000 to about 500,000 cps, can beobtained with a suitable amount of a surfactant thickening system.Useful surfactants are stearamide MEA, cocamide MEA, cetyl alcohol,myristyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, behenamidopropyl betaine, andstearamidopropyl betaine. Other thickening agents include the previouslymentioned polyether urethane and polyacrylic acid-based polymers.

Conditioning agents may also be incorporated in amounts of from 0.1 toabout 10%, preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight of the alkalizing componentcomposition. Suitable conditioners are identified in the CTFA IngredientDictionary and Handbook referred to above at v.2, pages 1752-1759incorporated by reference, in particular betaines, such ascocamideopropyl betaine, and linoleamido propyl dimethyl amine dimerdilinoleate. Also useful is Polyquatemium 47, sold as Merquat 2001 byNalco, Inc.

Generally, the pigment as previously described is not contained in thealkalizing agent component. Because the pigment is insoluble, it wouldhave to be suspended in this component composition, which addsadditional complexity during manufacture, as well as difficultiesoccasioned by precipitation during storage.

The Kit

The kit comprises premeasured amounts of the developer component, thepowder activator component and the alkalizing agent component, alongwith instructions for use, an applicator tip for connection to thedeveloper container, and gloves.

The developer component is preferably provided in a container which alsoserves as the container for mixing the components, and, with applicatortip installed, is used to apply the bleach product to the hair. Thedeveloper component container has sufficient head space to allow for themixing of the other components.

The activator powder component is contained in a foil pouch packet, theentire contents of which are emptied by the consumer into the developercomponent container.

Lastly, the alkalizing agent component, which preferably is in gel formand contained in a tube, is added to the developer container applicatorcontainer.

The hair bleach product composition applied to the hair (i.e., themixture of the three components) has a viscosity of from about 20,000 toabout 60,000 cps, preferably from about 30,000 to about 45,000 cps. Theproduct remains on the hair until the desired lightening of the hair isachieved. Generally, this period of time is less than about 45 minutes.

The proportions of the three components used in the process are adaptedso that there is no excess product or residual components of the productremaining after use. The proportions are predetermined so that theproper consistency of the product and the desired concentrations of theactive ingredients as well as the adjuvants separately contained in oneor more of the product component compositions are achieved on admixtureof the three components, and so that the final product pH will be fromabout 10 to about 12, preferably from about 10.5 to about 11.5,especially about 11.

The final bleach product composition, based on mixing of the threeessential component compositions comprises on an active ingredientbasis: Range Preferred Concentration (wt./o) (wt./o) Hydrogen Peroxide  3-7.5 4-6 Alkali Metal Persulfate  3-12 5-9 Alkalizing Agent 2.5-7.54-6 Pigment 0.1-2.5 1-2

The kit typically comprises from about 60 to about 220 ml. developercomponent; from about 14 to about 56 g. powder activator component; andfrom about 28 to about 112 g. alkalizing agent component. The kitgenerally comprises from about 3 to 5 parts developer component per partof activator powder component and from about 1.5 to about 2.5 partsalkalizing agent component per part of activator powder component. In apreferred embodiment 4 parts developer (112 g.), 1 part powder activator(28 g.) and 2 parts alkalizing agent component (56 g.) are mixed toprovide the bleach composition applied to the hair. In this embodimentthe developer contains about 30 volume hydrogen peroxide (about 9% byweight); the powder activator contains about 60% by weight ofpersulfates, and the alkalizing agent component contains about 18% byweight alkalizing agent.

Use of the Bleach Product

As described above the powder activator composition is added from itspacket into the developer component, preferably in the applicatorcontainer, followed by addition of the alkalizing agent component. Thecontents are then mixed by shaking. Using the applicator tip, the finalhair bleach product composition is applied to the hair. Because of thecolor imparted to the bleach product by the pigment, the hair coloristor to the consumer receives a visual indication where the product hasbeen applied on the hair. This is particularly important whensubstantially the entire head of hair of the consumer is to be bleachedwith the same bleach product composition, i.e., where the salon coloristor in home consumer does not use a cap or foil that isolates discretesmall portions of hair for application of a bleach product, as inhighlighting and streaking techniques. The degree of lightening ischecked periodically, and when the desired level of lightening isobtained, most usually in less than 45 minutes even for black hair, theproduct is rinsed from the hair, and the hair is preferably shampooed.Following rinsing a hair conditioner, which may also be included in thekit, can be applied to the hair.

Product Manufacture

The hair bleach product of the present invention is made by conventionalprocesses known in the art for making hair bleach products, andcomprises admixing the ingredients of each of the component compositionsin suitable vessels, followed by packaging in appropriate individualcontainers.

The present invention is further illustrated by the examples thatfollow. Unless otherwise indicated all percentages referred to hereinare percent by weight on an active ingredient basis of the componentcompositions or of the mixed bleach product composition, as the case maybe.

EXAMPLES

The compositions of Examples 1 through 4 are prepared. Each product on aweight basis comprises 4 parts of the developer component, 1 part of thepowder activator component, and 2 parts of the alkalizing agentcomponent.

The hair bleach product of each Example 1 to 4 is applied to the hair ofa consumer, the pigment permitting uniform distribution of the productthroughout the hair, all areas of the hair receiving an essentiallyequal amount of bleach product. After 45 minutes the product isshampooed from the hair, which have blonde colorations. Exam- Exam-Exam- Exam- ple 1 ple 2 ple 3 ple 4 Weight Weight Weight WeightComponents % % % % Developer Component Hydrogen Peroxide (50% active)18.3 18.3 18.3 18.3 Water 73.85 73.85 73.85 73.849 Glyceryl Stearate3.63 3.63 3.63 3.63 Cetearyl Alcohol 0.965 0.965 0.965 0.965Ceteareth-20 0.322 0.322 0.322 0.322 PEG-75 Lanolin (50% wt active) 0.740.74 0.74 0.74 Wax 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.73 Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 Etidronic Acid (60% wt active) 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27Oleth-10 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Oleth-2 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 Simethicone 0.10.1 0.1 0.1 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Activator Powder Component PotassiumPersulfate (98.4% wt 56 60 39 60 active) Sodium Persulfate (98.4% wt 3active) Ammonium persulfate (98% wt 19 20 active) Silica 2.7 2.7 2.751.6 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 1 1 1 1.2 Ultramarine Blue 1 0.5 1.5 2Disodium EDTA 1 1 1 1.2 Sodium Silicate 35.3 34.8 35.75 14 100.0 100.0100.0 100.0 Alkalizing Agent Component Water Q.S. Q.S. Q.S. Q.S.Ethanolamine 6 18 Soytrimonium Chloride 5.85 5.85 5.85 5.85 PropyleneGlycol 12.375 13.875 13.875 13.875 Steareth-21 2 2 2 2 Oleamide MIPA 1 11 1 Erythorbic Acid 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Sodium sulfite 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 EDTA0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 C12-15 Pareth-3 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 C11-15 Pareth-9 (90% wtactive) 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 Oleic Acid 4.365 4.365 4.365 4.365 AmmoniumHydroxide (28% wt 12 8 15 active) Botanical Extracts 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14Fragrance 1.475 1.575 1.575 1.575 Ethoxydiglycol 2.915 2.915 2.915 2.915Cocamidopropyl Betaine (30% 2.915 2.915 2.915 2.915 active)PEG-150/Stearyl/SMDI Copolymer 2.665 2.665 2.665 2.665 (19% wt active)100 100 100 100

1. A hair bleach product composition for applying to hair, saidcomposition comprising: (a) hydrogen peroxide; (b) at least one alkalimetal persulfate; (c) an alkalizing agent; and (d) a colorant selectedfrom the group consisting of water insoluble pigments, lakes, andmixtures thereof, wherein said colorant is present in an amounteffective to provide a user of said hair bleach product composition witha visual indication of where on the hair said hair bleach productcomposition is being applied.
 2. A hair bleach product compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein said colorant is selected from the groupconsisting of ultramarine blue, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake,chromium oxide green, titanium dioxide, D&C Red No. 30 lake, and D&CYellow No. 5 zirconium lake.
 3. A hair bleach product compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein said colorant is present in an amount fromabout 0.1% to about 2.5%, by weight of said composition.
 4. A hairbleach product composition according to claim 1, wherein said alkalimetal persulfate is selected from the group consisting of sodiumpersulfate, potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, and mixturesthereof.
 5. A hair bleach product composition according to claim 1,wherein said alkali metal persulfate is present in an amount from about3% to about 12%, by weight of said composition.
 6. A hair bleach productcomposition according to claim 1, wherein said alkalizing agent isselected from the group consisting of ammonium hydroxide andmonoethanolamine.
 7. A hair bleach product composition according toclaim 1, wherein said alkalizing agent is sodium silicate.
 8. A hairbleach product composition according to claim 1, wherein said alkalizingagent is present in an amount from about 2.5% to about 7.5%, by weightof said composition.
 9. A hair bleach product composition according toclaim 1, wherein said hydrogen peroxide is present in an amount fromabout 3% to about 7.5%, by weight of said composition.
 10. A hair bleachproduct composition according to claim 1, further comprising one or moreadditional ingredients selected from the group consisting of thickeners,emulsifiers, and conditioning agents.
 11. A hair bleach productcomposition according to claim 1, wherein said composition has aviscosity from about 20,000 to about 60,000 cps at 25° C. andatmospheric pressure, as measured using a Brookfield VLT viscometer witha T-D spindle descending for about 60 seconds at 6 rpm.
 12. A hairbleach product composition according to claim 1, wherein saidcomposition has a pH from about 10 to about
 12. 13. A method ofbleaching hair, said method comprising the steps of: (a) applying to thehair a hair bleach product composition according to claim 1; and (b)rinsing said composition from the hair.
 14. A method of providing a hairbleach product composition which is visible to a user when saidcomposition is applied to hair, said method comprising the steps of: (a)providing a mixture comprising (i) hydrogen peroxide, (ii) at least onealkali metal persulfate, and (iii) an alkalizing agent; and (b) addingto said mixture a colorant selected from the group consisting of waterinsoluble pigments, lakes, and mixtures thereof, wherein said colorantis present in an amount effective to provide said user with a visualindication of where on the hair said hair bleach product composition isbeing applied.